Life after fifty can feel like a crossroads. You’ve achieved so much on paper, a career, a family, a home, a lifetime of responsibilities that you've ticked off one by one, yet something inside seems to say, "There’s more for me." That feeling isn’t unfamiliar to me.

In fact, it’s the very feeling that changed the direction of my own life.

I’m Sharon, a Certified Life Coach, and before stepping into this work, I spent more than twenty years in retail management, thirteen of those running my own business. On the outside, everything looked great. My business was thriving, and everyone thought I had it all.

But on the inside, I could feel myself shifting. I realised that while I had built something meaningful, I was no longer growing. It felt as though I was living the same year over and over again.

There was one moment in particular that became a turning point: I remember leaving late one evening. I paused before getting into my car and thought, Is this really it? Is this the life I’m meant to wake up to for the next decade? That question changed everything.

Have you noticed thoughts creeping in now you are in your fifties, ones that ask, “Is this it?” I hear it often, from clients, friends, and even at times from myself.

Fifty is supposed to be a time of wisdom, freedom, and confidence. And yet, for many of us, it feels like a chapter closing, not opening.

Maybe it’s the views of society that say your prime has passed. Or the relentless social media reels of youth flooding your feed.

Or perhaps it’s because you mourn versions of you that never got to be. The career you didn’t pursue.

The relationship that didn’t bloom. The dreams you put to one side to deal with life’s responsibilities.

But here’s something I want to tell you: Feeling like life is over doesn’t mean it actually is.

This could be a sign that something exciting is evolving. The roles you have played in your life up to now are making way for something better.

Your life isn’t over. It’s pivoting. And in that pivot, there is adventure and power.

In fact, this chapter, this messy, questioning chapter, might be the first time life starts to feel like yours.

Are you about to turn forty or in your forties and feeling in need of advice about facing this time? If so, you aren’t alone. Many women get to the age of forty and start to question many aspects of their lives, themselves and what they are doing.

The truth is, turning forty can signify a pivotal moment in a woman's life, often prompting a reassessment of values, goals, and personal identity.

Psychologically, this milestone may evoke a mix of emotions, including reflection on past achievements and concerns about the future.

Does this sound familiar to you? If so, you need to understand that it’s not uncommon for women to feel pressure to conform to societal expectations, which can lead to stress and self-doubt.

However, this age also marks an opportunity for self-care and empowerment; women are encouraged to embrace their individuality and prioritise their well-being.

Investing time in self-care practices—such as mindfulness, exercise, and pursuing passions—not only enhances mental health but also fosters a sense of agency and fulfilment as they navigate this transformative decade.